Reservations

Our Location

Rooms & Rates

Welcome

Old-Fashioned Hospitality with Modern Conveniences

Whether you are coming to the area for business, a family visit, a special occasion, or a quiet getaway, this is the place! Built in 1886 the Victorian Rose Garden is part of the historic district of downtown Algonquin. We are located 45 miles northwest of downtown Chicago. This small town setting may be the perfect spot for you with so much to offer……

Within a short walk there are several excellent restaurants. You can stroll to parks, kayak on the Fox River or watch the eagles, or bike The Prairie Path/Fox River trail. Within a few miles, there is an abundant selection of restaurants, shops, fitness facilities, theaters and special attractions.

Upon your arrival you will find homemade goodies waiting for you. A small refrigerator in the upstairs “nook” holds complementary soda and water, and a place for a “doggy bag”. In addition to your guest room, you are welcome to enjoy common areas on the main floor. Play the Petroff grand piano in the parlor, read a book in the Great Room, share a cup of coffee in the kitchen. During pleasant weather, we hope you will enjoy the garden and relax on one of the porches or the patio.

History

In 1886, James Philp Esquire built this Victorian home and sold the property to his son James Harvey Philp for the grand total of $10 – plus love and affection, as a wedding gift for James H. and his bride Emma. In 1916 the home was sold to the Dammyer family who lived here for 54 years, followed by the Buttner family for 3 years. The fourth owners became Don and Sherry Brewer who moved in with their 3 children, Teresa, J. Richard, and Alicia in 1974. An award winning “Historically Sensitive” addition was built onto the home in 1982. The house was plaqued by the McHenry Historical Society and the Algonquin Historic Commission in 1994. In 2005, the Philp house was one of twenty-three homes featured in the book Historic Homes of McHenry County.

June 3, 1995 the James H. Philp house officially became the Victorian Rose Garden Bed & Breakfast. Sherry continues to host some of the nicest people who travel here from all over the world.

Guest Comments

Best stay ever

This was my first time to stay at a bed and breakfast. I was here for a class and decided to try something different than a hotel. I’m so glad I did!! Sherry and Carolyn were so welcoming and I felt at home. They served the best breakfasts I have ever had. My room was modern yet Victorian. Spotless and clean. Really a wonderful stay. I slept so soundly and came back very refreshed. VERY best stay I’ve had in the Chicago area. Thank you!!

What a lovely home you have Sherry. This has been our best stay so far and would recommend this B&B to friends.The food has been beautifully prepared and is a great start to the day. Thanks again for the hospitality.

Trish & Mike

Australia

Thanks for a perfect girls getaway! The house couldn’t be cuter, and the breakfast was so delicious! Just what we needed to relax for a bit.

Jeanette, Alina, & Breanne

Illinois & Missouri

We’ve had friends and co-workers stay here many times. While we live only about 5 blocks away, we wanted to see why everyone told us their stay was so enjoyable. Well, we found out! Very comfortable room with the best hospitability and breakfast. We’re looking forward to staying again!

Bob & Maggie

Algonquin

Thank you for making our stay pleasant and for treating us like family. What a joy it was for me to play your gorgeous piano…priceless, in fact. Breakfast was truly amazing! We look forward to staying here again!

Chris & Darla

Valparaiso, IN

My wife and I stayed at the Rose Garden 2x in December 2012. It was a great experience with a cozy atmosphere and personable service. The house was conveniently laid out, beautiful as a small museum, and because of Christmas extra decoration was up, and all the rooms were decorated. A nice room with private bath where everything worked well.

We had friendly service from Sherry, our host, and of Carolyn too, who served us with a very delicious breakfast. We can very much recommend a stay at this place.

Birgit & Gert

Denmark

Thank you for a great beginning to the “Great lakes Tour” B & B vacation. Your hospitality was so warm, touching and real. The food was great too. Gingerbread Pancakes? Oh-Yeah!! Thank you too for the ‘Rose of Sharon’ sprouts. I’m happy to report they survived the trip and are beginning their new lives in MN. May God bless you both with peace, love and joy.

Susan, Barbara, Donna and Connie

My husband and I have never stayed at a B&B before, so I was excited to stay. I just wanted to let you know that you have made our anniversary week the best in a long time. You are a wonderful lady and have a beautiful home, not to mention a cute kitty “Boogie Boy”. Thank you.

Tamara & Trent

Tucson, AZ

It was delightful meeting you. This is truly a magnificent place. Everytime I turned around, there was another view of beauty which touched my heart. I’ve had several deep losses lately, and the loveliness and warmth here were healing.